True stories from property inspections: weird discoveries and what they mean
Inspections aren’t always just about broken light bulbs and cracked tiles. Sometimes you stumble across something completely unexpected. These strange discoveries aren’t just quirky stories — they can be signs of deeper issues, overlooked maintenance, or unusual tenant behaviour. Here are some of the weirdest inspection finds (and the lessons behind them).
Mushrooms in the bathroom
Yes, mushrooms. Not the kind that belong on pizza, but actual fungi growing from a mouldy shower door seal. Moisture during winter had created the perfect environment — dark, damp, and warm — for mould to spread until mushrooms appeared.
Lesson - even if seals look fine at one inspection, don’t assume they’ll stay that way. Always check corners, seals, and wet areas closely. Small mould patches can become something much bigger if ignored.
Birds attacking locks
At a newly built development, shiny electric locks were installed on front doors. They looked modern and secure — until the local birds decided otherwise. Mistaking their reflections for rivals, they pecked, scratched, and clawed at the locks, leaving them scuffed and damaged.
Lesson - if you see scratches or damage on outdoor fixtures, think beyond pets. Weather, wildlife, or even insects can be the hidden culprits.
A guinea pig colony in the backyard
One inspection revealed dozens of guinea pigs happily roaming free in the backyard. They weren’t causing any visible damage, but it was certainly unexpected.
Lesson - always check outdoor areas carefully. Yards, sheds, and fences can reveal just as much about property use (and potential risks) as the inside. And you never quite know what kind of pets you’ll find.
A flooded basement
After weeks of heavy rain, one property looked pristine upstairs but hid a nasty surprise below. The basement had flooded through a foundation crack, soaking insulation and drywall. Everything in the space had to be stripped out before repairs could begin.
Lesson - never assume a property is “healthy” just because the main rooms look fine. Basements and crawl spaces often hide water issues. A flashlight (and your nose) are essential tools for checking low, dark spaces.
Red flags to watch for
Even if you don’t encounter mushrooms or guinea pigs, there are common signs that something unusual may be hiding:
- Covered or blocked areas like closets, sheds, or garages
- Strong air fresheners or open windows on cold days (masking odours)
- Noisy or unusual pets being kept out of sight
- Tenants acting overly nervous or rushing you through the inspection
These can all signal that it’s worth slowing down and taking a closer look.
Final thought
Property inspections are part detective work and part problem solving. Staying curious, observant, and thorough helps you spot the hidden problems — and sometimes the downright strange. While you may not discover a backyard guinea pig farm every day, you will almost certainly collect a few stories of your own.
Tools like myInspections can help turn those discoveries into clear, well-documented reports with photos and notes, so landlords and tenants alike have a shared record of what was found. Because whether it’s mould, wildlife, or a mystery smell, the best defence is accurate documentation.
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myInspections does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
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